Pastors of Excellence

Pastors of Excellence (PoE) is a 13-month transformational program specifically designed for pastors. For over a decade, PoE has positioned hundreds of pastors for authenticity in Christ and effectiveness in ministry. We believe healthy pastors produce healthy ministries. We do not know of any other program that has been more effective in revitalizing pastors.

Pastors of Excellence is offered in two locations, Ashland, OH and Detroit, MI, where 30 to 50 pastors attend 2-1/2 day retreats (4 times over 13 months). Each pastor is placed in a small group with five other pastors and a trained pastor/mentor. These small groups of peers develop powerful bonds of love over this spiritually enriching journey. Many small groups of pastors choose to stay connected long after their PoE program has ended.

The Pastors of Excellence program at Ashland Theological Seminary began in 2003. This program, which was initially funded by a $1,000,000 grant from the Lilly Foundation, is designed to equip pastors to grow and sustain authenticity in Christ and excellence in ministry. Our vision is to transform the church by transforming the pastor from the inside out.

Active Retreats

Orientation

The PoE experience begins Monday evening with a fellowship meal and opening worship service to set the tone for the 13 month PoE journey.

Date

Ashland: September 14, 2015 (PM)

Discovery Retreat

Pastors attend a three-day retreat helping them develop a self-directed learning plan. The retreat includes teaching, reflective conversation, peer advisement and assessment interviews based upon information received from four battery of instruments including Lifestyle Inventories, a Stress Processing Report, and a Spiritual Competencies Profile.

Date

Ashland: September 15-17, 2015

Healthy Community Retreat

Pastors spend three days together learning about and experiencing the dynamics of healing/supportive Christian community. The format for the retreat will include self-study, theological reflection, group discussion, advisement and peer support.

Date

Ashland: January 26-28, 2016

Personal Well-Being Retreat

Pastors spend three days developing a self-directed strategy for personal well being. Time will be spent discussing the common pitfalls pastors fall into that bring emotional instability, as well as discussing dysfunctional behaviors impeding personal health. Transformational times of personal healing for weary clergy commonly occur during our time together. Pastors will be encouraged to develop a plan for personal development that includes time apart from the church, spiritual direction and counseling as needed and desired. Post-retreat peer-group meetings (virtual and/or actual) will focus on personal well-being.

Date

Ashland: May 3-5, 2016

Spiritual Vitality Retreat

Pastors will spend three days together in teaching and experiential activities helping participants refill the spiritual well out of which they minister. Everyone will develop a personalized plan for ongoing spiritual discipline and personal renewal. The retreat will provide time for teaching, reflective conversation, advisement and spiritual renewal, as well as peer bonding and support.

Date

Ashland: September 13-15, 2016

Cost

Non-Degree Participant (CEUs available)

$300 deposit when accepted/ $100 per month for duration of program (13 months). There is a $100 discount for full payment by first retreat.

Cost$1,600

Degree Participant

Because of the high level of instruction in PoE, we are able to offer participants either master’s or doctoral level credit. In addition to retreat instruction and small group activities, students will be assigned a professor of record who will negotiate additional readings and assignments relative to the level of credit pursued. Credit is also contingent upon meeting admissions or guest student requirements for the respective programs.

Master's CreditTuition at the currently hourly rate + a directed study fee. Two classes offered at 3 credits each.Doctoral CreditTuition at the current hourly rate + a directed study fee. Two classes are offered.Hourly RateClick here to learn more about the hourly rate.

Testimonials

Janet Chilcote

After experiencing a season of losses, Janet found Pastors of Excellence to be a source of renewal and encouragement. In particular, her PoE small group became an important support group as she continued to navigate life and ministry.

Jeremy Shelly

At age 15, Jeremy was challenged and encouraged by his youth pastor. He has since realized that he is designed to serve the Lord and teens in a similar way, and Pastors of Excellence provided a place for Jeremy to further delve into that calling.

Joe Wilson

Joseph found this program to be a safe place. He was able to enter into authentic conversation with others who shared similar calling and ministry positions. At the same time, the Lord met him in deep and meaningful ways.

John Bouquet

A friend asked John the question, "Are you prepared to finish your ministry well?" Though John didn't have an answer at the time, his eye-opening experience with Pastors of Excellence helped him put together a healthy plan for the future of his ministry and church.

Brent Durham

Due to his father's illness & retirement from the church, Brent found himself ushered into the role of senior pastor. The insight he gained and the encouragement he received from Pastors of Excellence helped make that a smooth transition.

Want to learn more?

Pastors of Excellence (PoE) is a 13-month transformational program specifically designed for pastors. For over a decade, PoE has positioned hundreds of pastors for authenticity in Christ and effectiveness in ministry. We believe healthy pastors produce healthy ministries. We do not know of any other program that has been more effective in revitalizing pastors.